I would like to know if anyone out there has a favorite power sander they use for the annual sanding of the bottom paint. Is it a 6 inch orbital? Maybe a 9 inch sander/polisher? Does it have an attachment for a shop vac? For years I've been sanding the bottom my 1973 good ol' Bristol 26 with a poll sander (you know the poll with piece of sandpaper that swivels on the end that sheet rockers use) and now I'm in the market for a power tool to help with the job. I'm real curious what the popular sanders might be.
- Status
Absolutely
Theres nothing like the real deal, and you won't find it at the hardware store. Get a six-inch (hook&loop) random-orbit variable-speed sander with the vacuum hose connection. I have the Porter-Cable brand, an industrial quality tool that comes with a case and hose. Another quality brand is Fein, and a third that people swear by is DeWalt. Connect it to a shopvac, doesn't have to be a large one but it has to have a bag so the dust doesn't destroy the vac bearings. Some people use a bucket-style water trap like professional drywall installers use. Use with a ground tarp as not all dust will be caught. Always use a respirator, and other gear as needed. I had to find an industrial power tool store in the yellow pages to find mine. I see Fein in online marine suppliers. Sometimes yards have them to rent. The little orbital finish sanders will work for small jobs, but will vibrate your hand off on big jobs. Good orbitals are very non-agressive. They will feather an edge daintily, or remove heavy bottompaint without "packing up' the sandpaper depending on what grit you use. They are a pleasure to use and worth the extra cost.
Theres nothing like the real deal, and you won't find it at the hardware store. Get a six-inch (hook&loop) random-orbit variable-speed sander with the vacuum hose connection. I have the Porter-Cable brand, an industrial quality tool that comes with a case and hose. Another quality brand is Fein, and a third that people swear by is DeWalt. Connect it to a shopvac, doesn't have to be a large one but it has to have a bag so the dust doesn't destroy the vac bearings. Some people use a bucket-style water trap like professional drywall installers use. Use with a ground tarp as not all dust will be caught. Always use a respirator, and other gear as needed. I had to find an industrial power tool store in the yellow pages to find mine. I see Fein in online marine suppliers. Sometimes yards have them to rent. The little orbital finish sanders will work for small jobs, but will vibrate your hand off on big jobs. Good orbitals are very non-agressive. They will feather an edge daintily, or remove heavy bottompaint without "packing up' the sandpaper depending on what grit you use. They are a pleasure to use and worth the extra cost.
tools
If your looking for good tools try this company, have bought from them for years, great company and great service.
If your looking for good tools try this company, have bought from them for years, great company and great service.
Orbital all the way
I just got done doing a complete strip and paint. I tried everything and setteled on the orbital sander. It worked great, it's light, very forgiving and they are not costly to buy. And when you are done you can use it to refinish the wood work.
I just got done doing a complete strip and paint. I tried everything and setteled on the orbital sander. It worked great, it's light, very forgiving and they are not costly to buy. And when you are done you can use it to refinish the wood work.
wet sand it by hand and
you will get nasty but do a better job in half the time. I use 80 grit wet and dry paper and do the whole bottom pdq! Dont do it with a power sander!
you will get nasty but do a better job in half the time. I use 80 grit wet and dry paper and do the whole bottom pdq! Dont do it with a power sander!
Thanks for the advice!
Wow, what a great response! I truly want to thank all of you who responded. This weekend is reserved for sanding her bottom. Don C.
Wow, what a great response! I truly want to thank all of you who responded. This weekend is reserved for sanding her bottom. Don C.
Speedblade
Speedblade is the first handheld power blade to effortlessly remove barnacles & other fouling from hulls. Usable underwater - does not damage paint or gel coat. Essentially a vibrating scraper. What a mother/fathers day gift. A bargain at only $499 [NOT
] www.speedbladeinc.com
Speedblade is the first handheld power blade to effortlessly remove barnacles & other fouling from hulls. Usable underwater - does not damage paint or gel coat. Essentially a vibrating scraper. What a mother/fathers day gift. A bargain at only $499 [NOT
] www.speedbladeinc.comRyobi 5"
I just finished sanding my 30 footer down to gel coat. My marina neighbor convinced me to buy the Ryobi 5" orbital at Home Depot for $25.00!! It's light so your arms can stand the holding longer. I used 60 grit adheasive backed discs (also at H.D. )and the paint flew off. It's not a heavy duty tool, but if I get two seasons out of it I'll be happy. Can't beat the price.
I just finished sanding my 30 footer down to gel coat. My marina neighbor convinced me to buy the Ryobi 5" orbital at Home Depot for $25.00!! It's light so your arms can stand the holding longer. I used 60 grit adheasive backed discs (also at H.D. )and the paint flew off. It's not a heavy duty tool, but if I get two seasons out of it I'll be happy. Can't beat the price.
Porter cable 5" w/ velcro
I bought the P-C 5" random orbital w/ hook and loops, it has the vacum attachment and a dust bag), I bought this for price, (about $50 at H. depot), The hook and loop were nice, but were a little more expensive. not sure about the stick on type pads... the PC is a little tall and heavy but held up well. the bosch is lighter and smaller ($$$). I also have a Makita 4" square jitterbug for smaller spaces... I've had that forever... great, but slow....
I bought the P-C 5" random orbital w/ hook and loops, it has the vacum attachment and a dust bag), I bought this for price, (about $50 at H. depot), The hook and loop were nice, but were a little more expensive. not sure about the stick on type pads... the PC is a little tall and heavy but held up well. the bosch is lighter and smaller ($$$). I also have a Makita 4" square jitterbug for smaller spaces... I've had that forever... great, but slow....
Happiness is a $500 Scraper
Fred: While I would consider myself a freedom-loving person; my joy for Mexican Independance is not so ardent as to bring me any particular happiness. It just makes me happy to know that we have a $500 scraper availble, should we run low on gift-giving ideas. There's something just so basically (North) American about it. Gord
Fred: While I would consider myself a freedom-loving person; my joy for Mexican Independance is not so ardent as to bring me any particular happiness. It just makes me happy to know that we have a $500 scraper availble, should we run low on gift-giving ideas. There's something just so basically (North) American about it. Gord
Carefully put, Gord
Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day, but it is about Mexican independence.
Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day, but it is about Mexican independence.
Harry of Magothy
How long did it take to do the 30 footer with the Ryobi? and how much paint had to come off ( in years or coats ).
How long did it take to do the 30 footer with the Ryobi? and how much paint had to come off ( in years or coats ).
- Status